Temple is the second-largest city in Bell County, at about 607 feet of elevation with Belton across the Leon River to the southwest. Fertile Blackland Prairie spreads out to the east, while to the west the land rises into low, rolling limestone hills. Average rainfall is close to 37 inches a year, and summer afternoons in July and August typically reach the mid-90s.
Fire & Water Energy offers referrals, nothing more. Call (866) 937-3230 and we will try to connect you with an independent restoration contractor serving Temple, Belton and other Bell County communities, though availability depends on local firms. Our how it works page and the referral disclosure explain exactly where our role ends.
Central Texas storms, flash floods and surprise snow
Bell County has appeared in FEMA major disaster declarations for Hurricane Rita (2005), an Extreme Wildfire Threat (2006), severe storms, tornadoes and flooding in 2007, the 2021 Severe Winter Storms, and spring 2024 storms with straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding.
Snow is unusual but has a real history. National Weather Service records show Temple measured more than 15 inches in February 1924, and in April 2007 a band of 3 to 5 inches reached the Temple and Killeen area while bluebonnets were already blooming.
Pipe bursts, roof leaks and appliance failures
Cold snaps like the one in 2021 can split pipes in attics, exterior walls and unheated garages, and the damage often appears only when the ice melts. Spring hail and wind can loosen shingles and flashing, letting the next rain into attics and ceilings. Water heaters, washing machine hoses and air conditioning drain lines account for many everyday losses as well.
Water damage restoration in Temple usually begins with stopping the source, followed by extraction, moisture readings in walls and subfloors and controlled drying. More detail is on our water damage repair and burst pipe water damage pages.
Federal disaster declarations that included Bell County
FEMA records show Bell County was included in 5 major disaster declarations for weather or fire events from 2000 through 2026 (1 flood, 1 severe ice storm, 1 severe storm, 1 fire, 1 hurricane, by FEMA incident type). Declarations are made at the county level, so they do not mean every neighborhood in Temple was affected. The most recent:
- 2024 – Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding (DR-4781)
- 2021 – Severe Winter Storms (DR-4586)
- 2007 – Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding (DR-1709)
- 2006 – Extreme Wildfire Threat (DR-1624)
- 2005 – Hurricane Rita (DR-1606)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries, retrieved 2026-10-10. Counts include major disaster (DR) declarations with hurricane, flood, severe storm, tropical storm, fire, tornado, coastal storm, winter or ice storm, mudslide and dam/levee incident types.
Water, fire or storm damage in Temple?
Call (866) 937-3230 and tell us what happened at your Temple property.
Fire, smoke and dry-season risk
Bell County was part of the 2006 Extreme Wildfire Threat declaration, a reminder that grass and brush can burn during dry, windy stretches. Inside homes, cooking, space heaters during cold snaps and electrical faults are typical starting points.
After a fire, restoration contractors commonly secure openings, remove charred materials, test soot, clean structure and contents and remove odor from the HVAC system. Our pages on fire damage restoration and smoke odor removal lay out the process.
Cleaning up from flooding, hail and tornado winds
The 2007 and 2024 declarations both involved tornadoes and flooding, showing how one storm system can bring wind damage and rising water together. Floodwater from outside is treated as contaminated, so contractors generally remove wet carpet, pad and lower drywall, disinfect and dry the framing.
Wind and hail often call for roof tarping and board-up before interior work begins. Our storm damage cleanup guide pairs with the one on flood damage restoration for this kind of event.
Controlling mold after leaks and storms
Warm, humid spring and summer weather lets mold get started on damp drywall and carpet within days. Leaks hidden behind cabinets or in attics can grow mold long before anyone notices a musty smell.
EPA guidance says homeowners can generally clean areas smaller than about 10 square feet once the moisture is fixed. Larger growth, mold after floodwater or contamination in ducts usually calls for mold removal by a qualified contractor.
Safety and documentation for Temple homeowners
- Call 911 for fire, gas odors, injuries or power lines down.
- Follow official instructions from the City of Temple and Bell County during severe weather, and check the National Weather Service for warnings.
- Never drive into water covering a road; runoff can rise quickly.
- Shut the main water valve for any plumbing failure and avoid wet electrical areas.
- Take photos and video before cleanup and save receipts for emergency repairs. Coverage differs by policy, so speak with your insurer or agent.
Neighborhoods and nearby communities
Nearby communities with their own pages (straight-line distance from Temple):
- Harker Heights · 19 mi
- Killeen · 23 mi
- Copperas Cove · 33 mi
- Waco · 33 mi
- Georgetown · 38 mi
- Round Rock · 45 mi
Temple restoration FAQs
Does Temple really get snow?
Occasionally. The National Weather Service notes more than 15 inches in Temple in February 1924 and 3 to 5 inches in the area in April 2007. Snow is rare, but hard freezes like 2021 can still damage plumbing.
How does the local terrain fit into flood awareness?
The city sits along the Balcones Fault, where limestone hills to the west meet flatter prairie to the east. Terrain changes like that are one reason to watch NWS flood warnings closely during heavy rain.
What disasters has Bell County had since 2000?
FEMA declarations include Hurricane Rita in 2005, a wildfire threat in 2006, storms with tornadoes and flooding in 2007 and 2024, and the 2021 Severe Winter Storms.
Should I check my roof after a hailstorm?
Yes. Hail can crack shingles or dent flashing without obvious signs from the ground, and the next rain may leak into the attic. A roofer or restoration contractor can inspect it.
Is Fire & Water Energy based in Bell County?
No. We are a referral service without local offices. A call to (866) 937-3230 lets us look for an independent contractor working in and around Temple.
Restoration guides
- Storm Damage Cleanup
- Water Damage Repair
- Burst Pipe Water Damage
- Flood Damage Restoration
- Fire Damage Restoration
- Mold Removal